The 17 Top Things To Do In Yangon, Myanmar

Myanmar seems to be on many traveller's bucket lists these days. Not a shocker there since the country has recently opened its doors to foreigners after years of relative international isolation.

The city of Yangon is an easy hop from neighbouring Thailand with just one hour's flight time to get there. You will be in awe of its beautifully chaotic former capital city of Myanmar, with its old-world charm as evidenced by the grandiosity of its sparkling pagodas, the elegant architecture, and the bustling commercial shops in the area.

Don’t want the stress of planning out your Yangon travel itinerary? Just read on to find out what to see in Yangon.

1. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon has numerous pagodas also called payas in its vicinity but without a doubt, Shwedagon Pagoda is the number one destination in Yangon for locals and tourists alike. Shewdagon Paya is a religious monument and sacred site of the highest importance all throughout Myanmar.

It is a vast complex with dozens of temples. The pagoda's stupa is emblazoned with gold bits while the topmost part is encrusted with diamonds and other gems. The Shwedagon Pagoda shines so brilliantly in the sun that you have to squint when you look at it.

Its golden stupa can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. A lot of people visit the pagoda to do their rituals according to their specific birthday. Many locals also come to walk circumferences surrounding the pagoda's base. This well-preserved heritage spot is definitely THE one you should not miss in Yangon.

The entry fee for visiting is US$6.50 or 8,000 kyats.

2. Marvel The Reclining Buddha At Chaukhtatgyi Paya

Another pagoda you shouldn't miss is the Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda which is well-known for its gigantic 65-meter long reclining Buddha. This is one of the most popular Buddha sites in Yangon.

The Buddha is sheltered in a huge shed. It used to be a sitting Buddha that occupied the spot, however, when it fell over and broke, the current reclining Buddha took its place. The temple's floor serves as a common lunch area for the locals. Entrance to the pagoda is free of charge.

3. Immerse Yourself In The Hustle Bustle At Sule Pagoda

Shwedagon may dominate Yangon's skyline but another paya is also worth seeing, the Sule Pagoda, located at the junction of Sule Pagoda Road and Mahabandoola Road.

It also features a beautiful golden stupa that is just as much a distinct landmark in the heart of downtown as the elegant Shwedagon Pagoda. This pagoda may not be as huge as Shwedagon but it is believed to be just as ancient.

You can wander inside but there is not too much to see really. The real attraction here is the pagodas surrounding in the busy heart of town which is bustling with life. The entrance fee is US$2.

Right next to the pagoda, you can find Maha Bandoola Park with the Independence Monument and the Tourist Information Office located here as well.

4. Hang Out With The Locals At Inya Lake

Far from the hustle and bustle of the metro is the picturesque and tranquil Inya Lake. It is a serene spot where you can enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, sailing, rowing and golfing.

On the western portion of the lake, you can have your sunset drinks at the Yangon Sailing Club. On the eastern section, across the beautiful Sedona Hotel is a floating golf driving range and a choice of excellent restaurants.

The lake is also known for being a lovers' rendezvous place. It is also the site of Aung San Suu Kyi's abode where she spent her house arrest. The lake's perimeters are where the mansions of the rich are located.

5. Shop At Bogyoke Aun San Market

For the authentic Myanmar experience, head to Bogyoke Aun San Market to get a feel of the local shopping action. Formerly known as Scott Market, Bogyoke Aun San Market established in 1926, is located in downtown Yangon.

This colonial-designed market center is the best place to buy local products like souvenirs, handcrafted fabric, Burmese-style dresses, jewellery and gems as well as antiques.

6. Visit The Riverfont Botataung Pagoda

One of the things to do in downtown Yangon is to visit the 2,500-year-old Botataung Paya which sits right near the Yangon River.

It may not be as intricately designed and as the fascinating Shwedagon Pagoda but its upside is that it features a hollow stupa and people can walk through it. Tourists and visitors may enter to view the relics within its walls.

7. Stroll Around Kandawgyi Lake & Park

Want to get some fresh air after the city's hectic atmosphere? One of the things to do in Yangon is to make your way to Kandawgyi Lake, a man-made lagoon where you can view the famous Karaweik, a fascinating copy of a Burmese royal barge which is currently a buffet restaurant.

Also found along Kandawgyi Lake is Yangon Zoological Gardens which houses numerous animal species but it is a bit abandoned and needs a make-over.

Price to enter the boardwalk area is US$1.60 or 2,000 kyats while US$0.25 or 300 kyats is the fee for the restaurant area.

Make your way down and find the Off the Beaten Track Restaurant, run by a former tour guide, to get some travel advice on Myanmar and eat some traditional Myanmar and Asian dishes.

8. Visit The Green Sanctuary Of People's Square & Park

Situated near Shwedagon Pagoda's west-facing stairs, People's Park & Square offers a green escape from the city's bleak concrete.

The park covers over 130 acres of land between Shwedagon and Pyithu Hluttaw, the Parliament building. A small museum is located in the park where you can find life-sized models of famous Myanmar nationals. Families come to the park on weekends to relax and bond.

The park's main attraction is its centrepiece, a large water fountain that features white elephants that spew out water from its trunk. The park is also rich in flora with over 1,000 trees and plants. A visit to this green sanctuary is one of the things you must do in Yangon.

9. Have A Food Feast In Chinatown

Your Yangon tour would not be complete without dinner at its infamous Chinatown area.

Yangon's Chinatown encompasses 18th to 24th street. This is one of the busiest areas in town that is teeming with street vendors, especially during nighttime.

Yangon's 19th Street, also known as the city's barbeque street, comes alive at night as people, locals and tourists alike, flock to the smell of grilled kebab. The mini restos at the streetside offer everything skewered from delectable meat to sumptuous seafood. Here you can surely get your barbeque fill on the number of restaurants in the area.

10. Learn About History At Taukkyan War Cemetery

The location of this memorial is in Taukkyan town in Mingaladon, greater Yangon area, along the main highway No 1, Pyay Road. Taukkyan War Cemetery is a very well-maintained final resting place where few families actually love to have picnics.

Moreover, there are 3 war cemeteries found in Myanmar and Taukkyan is the largest. It was built in 1951 to house the graves from 4 warzone cemeteries at Mandalay, Akyab, Sahmaw and Meiktila and from roadside graves and isolated jungle sites that prove to be hard to maintain.

Currently, Taukkyan has 52 World War I graves, and over 6,734 Commonwealth burials from World War II, 867 of which are still unidentified. At Taukkyan, there are also 3 memorials. Rangoon Memorial has over 27,000 unknown graves. Taukkyan Cremation Memorial has more than 1,000 servicemen whose bodies were cremated with regard to their religion. Taukkyan Memorial has also 45 graves.

11. Learn About Culture At the National Museum Of Myanmar

For all you history buffs out there, you can learn more about Myanmar's culture and tradition by visiting the National Museum of Myanmar where you can spot interesting and educational exhibits.

The entry fee for this place is US$4.00 or 5,000 kyats.

Even wandering the streets of Yangon sometimes feels like walking through a museum with so many old colonial buildings, the highest number of colonial buildings in all of Southeast Asia can be found here in fact.

12. Take The Yangon Circular Railroad Ride

If you have time to spare in the day, hop on Yangon's train that goes on a circular railroad route around the city. There are 39 stations that the train stops at but you may just take the whole round trip of under 50 kilometres which takes about 3 hours to get a view of the town's outskirts, its local life inside and outside the city.

You must see with your own eyes the action-packed Danyingon station where there are tons of fresh produce waiting to be transported to the city. Train fare costs US$0.25 or 300 kyats.

13. Join A Yangon Downtown Walking Tour

If an independent stroll around Yangon is not to your preference, one thing you must do in Yangon is the guided walking tour where you will be guided by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers.

In this walking tour, you will get to know Myanmar's rich history including its fascinating culture, its ancient ruler, the past colonisation and its state during the Second World War.

You will learn about its distinct architecture in the styles of ancient Burmese, Victorian architecture, Art Deco and modern Myanmar. Fast forward to the present, the walking tour will also lead you to explore present-day Yangon and its city activities.

What's more, is that this guided tour is free! Runs every Wednesday and Sunday at 4.00 pm in the afternoon. You may also book a private tour with them where you can opt to visit only your chosen spots.

14. Try Unknown Dishes With Yangon Food Tours

There is nothing like exploring a new country through its distinct cuisine and street food.

After your history-inclined walk and culture-driven tour, why not continue with a food trip of Yangon's best? Yangon Food Tours offer a selection of 4 food tours to choose from. I recommend you choose from one of the breakfast, lunch or dinner tours. These tours take 3 hours where you will be able to taste the best curries and desserts in town.

Another food tour focuses on social business restaurants which takes about 5 hours. Enjoy the coffee, pastries and local cuisine while at the same time, supporting a good cause. 10% of Yangon Food Tours profits go to the support of financial literacy.

The third choice is an exciting cooking class for 5 hours. First, you get to pick out fresh ingredients from Yangon's wet market which you will use for cooking a traditional Burmese dish.

Lastly, you could take a guided food tour of Yangon's delectable street food. This tour ensures safe and yummy snacks that you have to try. The street snack tour takes only 2 hours.

15. Myanmar Water Festival

Each country has its quirks and in Myanmar, this is the Thingyan.

The Thingyan Water Festival happens during the hot summer weather on April 13-16. This is a fun-filled festival wherein people douse each other with water. You'll see a lot of water bucket action, water pipes and toy water guns splashing friends and even strangers. Only the elderly and the monks are safe from the drench.

The main element of this festival which is the water, is a symbol of washing away sins and bad karma that was incurred over the previous year.

16. Have A Cocktail At The Strand Hotel

Yangon may be rich in history and culture but it also has something different to offer. You can also enjoy the place in luxury by making your way to glamorous The Strand Hotel. This fine 5-star hotel was built in 1901 and has been restored to its former glory.

You will be in awe of its elegant colonial interior, its old-world glam, and its celebrity factor. This colonial architecture has survived over 100 years from World Wars to today's modernity.

Enjoy your Friday night at the longstanding Happy Hour, sipping a Strand Sour or unwinding at the billiard table. A Yangon classic!

17. Catch Some Rooftop Views At Sapphire Bar & Lounge

A cool way to unwind after touring around Yangon all day is to relax under the stars at Sapphire Bar & Lounge which sits right on the rooftop of Alfa Hotel. The rooftop bar offers a bird's eye view of the beautifully lit Shwedagon Pagoda at night as well as the city lights down below.

This is also a perfect place to enjoy the sunset. The Sapphire Bar & Lounge is your go-to place if you want to chill with a beer in hand and a great conversation with a friend.

Where To Stay In Yangon

Yangon is changing fast with more accommodation options opening around town, from budget to luxury. The city already has some great budget accommodation options with more popping up every month.

There are some great hotels close to Yangon Downtown as well as Shwedagon Pagoda. Here is my top pick if you have a bit more budget.

The Loft Hotel

This tranquil boutique hotel offers super comfortable modern rooms beautifully designed so you can leave the busy streets of Yangon behind and have a good night's sleep. It's close to Yangon Railway Station and not far from the renowned Bogyoke Market as well as the Sule Pagoda and the famous Shwedagon Pagoda.

There is an executive lounge, laundry service as well as free Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a pool or gym. But who needs that anyway when you are out and about all day and night?

Things to Do in Yangon – Final Words

These are truly the best places to visit when travelling to Yangon, Myanmar. So what are you waiting for?

Yangon is ready to welcome you with its rich history, impeccable, different food, and friendly locals. Plan your trip to Yangon now and witness firsthand the hidden gems of this often-overlooked Asian city.